What the Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card does
The Ulta Beauty Rewards credit card is a store card that earns points on purchases at Ulta Beauty, with bonus rates for cardholders. You earn points on every dollar spent, and those points convert to rewards you can use in-store or online. The card is issued by Comenity Bank and requires a credit check to open.
Unlike a general cash back card, this card only works at Ulta Beauty locations and on Ulta.com. The earning rate and rewards structure are specific to Ulta's program, so the value depends on how often you shop there and what you buy.
Key Takeaways
- Cardholders earn points on every purchase at Ulta Beauty, with a higher earning rate than non-cardholders.
- Points are redeemed for discounts on future purchases, not converted to cash or transferred elsewhere.
- The card has no annual fee, but you must may have access to based on your credit history.
- Rewards are most valuable if you shop at Ulta regularly; occasional shoppers may see little benefit.
How points are earned and what they're worth
Cardholders earn points at a rate set by Ulta Beauty's rewards program. The exact earning rate varies depending on whether you are a member of Ulta's free loyalty program (Ultamate Rewards) and your membership tier. Ulta adjusts these rates periodically, so the current rate should be confirmed on Ulta.com or in-store.
Points are redeemed as discounts on purchases. A certain number of points equals a dollar amount off your next transaction. For example, you might redeem 100 points for $5 off, though the exact conversion changes based on Ulta's current promotion. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active and you make at least one purchase every two years.
Annual fee and other costs
The Ulta Beauty Rewards credit card has no annual fee. You pay interest only if you carry a balance month to month, at a variable rate that depends on your creditworthiness and current market rates. The card's terms are available on the Comenity Bank website or by calling the number on your card.
If you use the card only for Ulta purchases and pay the full balance each month, you avoid interest charges entirely while still earning points on every dollar.
Who should consider this card
This card makes sense if you shop at Ulta Beauty regularly—at least several times a year. The points accumulate faster than cash back from a general rewards card, but only on Ulta purchases. If you buy makeup, skincare, or haircare products elsewhere, those purchases earn nothing.
The card is also useful if you want to track your Ulta spending in one place and receive cardmember-only promotions. Ulta frequently sends special offers to cardholders, such as bonus points on certain product categories or extra discounts during sale events.
How to open the account
You can open the card in-store at any Ulta Beauty location or online at Ulta.com. The process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and income information. Comenity Bank will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you.
If approved, you receive a temporary card number when ready that you can use online or in-store. A physical card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you are denied, you can contact Comenity Bank to understand why, though credit decisions are final.
Comparing this card to other options
A general cash back credit card typically earns 1% to 2% cash back on all purchases, including Ulta. The Ulta card earns points only at Ulta, but at a higher rate for that retailer. The trade-off is that the Ulta card is useless outside Ulta, while a general card works everywhere.
If you shop at Ulta frequently and also use other retailers, you might carry both: the Ulta card for Ulta purchases and a general cash back card for everything else. If you shop at Ulta only occasionally, a general cash back card is simpler and more flexible.
Managing your account and avoiding common mistakes
Pay your bill on time each month to avoid late fees and interest charges. Set up automatic payments through your online account to make this easier. Check your statement regularly to catch fraud or errors, and report them to Comenity Bank within 60 days.
Do not spend more than you planned just to earn points. Points are only valuable if the discount you earn is worth more than the interest you pay if you carry a balance. If you tend to overspend when using credit, a debit card or cash may be a better choice for Ulta purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Ulta Beauty Rewards card outside of Ulta?
No. This is a store card that works only at Ulta Beauty locations and Ulta.com. It cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card for general purchases, you would need a separate credit card.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points are typically forfeited when you close the account. Before closing, redeem any remaining points for a discount. Contact Comenity Bank to confirm the policy on your specific account.
Do I earn points on gift cards purchased at Ulta?
Yes, you earn points on gift card purchases just as you would on any other Ulta purchase. The points are added to your account when ready.
Is there a credit limit on this card?
Yes. Comenity Bank sets a credit limit based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Your limit appears on your approval letter and in your online account. You can request an increase after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
Can I transfer my points to another rewards program?
No. Points can only be redeemed for discounts on Ulta purchases. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel programs, or other rewards systems.